Australia’s Casey Stoner will stay with Lucio Cecchinello Racing

Australia’s Casey Stoner will stay with Lucio Cecchinello Racing and
make his debut in the top-flight MotoGP class on a Honda in the 2006
World Championship.

Stoner, who turned 20 on the day of this year’s Polini Australian
Motorcycle Grand Prix, had been expected to sign up with the Honda
Pons team in the senior category after leaving LCR, for whom he raced
in the 125 and 250cc classes.

But reports from Europe say the man who was runner-up to Dani Pedrosa
in the quarter-litre category in 2005 is staying with the team that
has done so much to shape his career.

Stoner was an LCR rider in 2003 when he won his first 125cc race, and
again on a 250cc Aprilia last year when he won five races.

Cecchinello himself has expressed surprise at getting the chance to
hang on to his Aussie star.

“Casey eventually told us he was available again,” said the Italian.

“In the meantime he had tested the Honda and was willing to race on
this machine, so we talked with HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) to make
it possible.”

Stoner tested the RC211V in Spain and Malaysia immediately the 2005
season ended.

Australian legend Mick Doohan, five-time winner of the 500cc World
Championship, is in no doubt that this is the right move for his young
compatriot.

“The MotoGP bikes will suit Casey, the way he rides,” says Doohan.

“It will be a challenge getting up to speed, but he’s capable,
although it won’t happen overnight.”

With LCR celebrating its 10th anniversary as a World Championship
team, 2006 is the ideal time for them to graduate to the senior class.

“We now feel ready to mount an effort in the MotoGP class, but we know
it will require more work and dedication,” said Cecchinello.

Doohan too feels Stoner has proved what he can do and deserves to
perform on the biggest stage of all.

“He’s won races in both the 125 and 250 grand prix classes,” said
Doohan, “and now is the right time for him to continue his learning
curve on the bigger MotoGP bikes.”

The 2006 World Championship season is scheduled to start in Spain on
March 26 with the 2006 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix taking place
at Phillip Island 15-17 September.

 

I agree. I would have taken chris vermeulen over him anyday.

 

Are you rating him on the basis that "he's a crap rider" or on the basis
that "he's not Valentino"? The also-rans aren't all _that_ far behind
him. 5 of the top 8 riders started from pole position at least once and
all 8 finished the year with at least 1 fastest race lap.

And speaking of also-rans.. 2005 was the first time since his debut
250cc season in 1992 that Biaggi has finished the season without a race
win.

Nev..

 

What a bitch , as he said , he needed a Honda to beat Doohan .

Wonder what the excuse is now